Using a Gestational Carrier (GC)

Intended parents may use a gestational carrier (surrogate) as a means to build their families. A number of the most common indications for choosing to use a gestational carrier include:

Congenital anomalies of the uterus

Uterine fibroids

Severe Asherman’s Syndrome (Intra-uterine adhesions)

Recurrent miscarriages

Hysterectomy for uterine/cervical cancer

Advanced maternal age

Medical condition(s) of the intended parent precluding pregnancy

Male couples who require a gestational surrogate and donor egg

Usually, although not always, the woman who carries and births a child for an individual or a couple is paid for the risk she assumes and the service she provides. If you choose to use a friend or family member, costs may be reduced significantly. Agencies typically recruit, screen, and legally represent all potential candidates as gestational surrogates, while we perform the medical testing necessary to ensure that a carrier is medically cleared for pregnancy. In contrast, friends or family members can be screened and tested by our doctors, but are referred out for legal representation.

Finding Your Gestational Carriers (GC)

Gestational Carrier agencies around the country offer programs for intended parents to meet potential gestational carriers (surrogates). Each is typically directed by a licensed social worker and represented by legal counsel. Once a potential gestational carrier (surrogate) completes an extensive application, she is screened and referred to a licensed psychologist for evaluation before being admitted into a program. Intended parents must also complete an application, and once invited into a program, they are matched with a potential gestational carrier (surrogate) of their choosing.

The potential gestational carrier (surrogate) is evaluated here at Fertility Specialists Medical Group for medical clearance and, if appropriate, can then proceed with embryo transfer. Counseling is provided throughout the pre-pregnancy period and during the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Gestational Carrier Agencies in San Diego County

There are a number of agencies in the San Diego area. Please click on the links below to learn more about each agency.